Why do we put strings of mango leaves and marigold flowers on the threshold at festival time?
Tender mango leaves hold the promise of a sweet and succulent fruit even in the scorching heat of the summer. It symbolizes happiness. Petals of the marigold contain seeds which sprout when dropped on the ground. It symbolizes prosperity. Strings of happy leaves and fertile flowers on the threshold visually communicate the aspiration of the household in festival time. This is imitative magic: by symbolically representing what one desires in public one hopes to influence cosmic forces to function in a particular way. Write in your questions related to sacred stories, symbols and rituals to devlok@mid-day.com. Devdutt will try his best to answer them. Who is the son of Lord Krishna associated with sun worship? Write in your answers with your name, mobile number and postal address to devlok@mid-day.com One lucky winner will have their answer printed and they will get an autographed copy of Shiva to Shankara: Decoding the Phallic symbol (Indus Source) from Devdutt. LAST WEEK’S ANSWER to Wh
Related Questions
- This time of year (early March) leaves on our hellebores are ugly and detract from the emerging flowers. Can we cut them off without causing harm to the plant?
- Why do we put strings of mango leaves and marigold flowers on the threshold at festival time?
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